Summer in Milwaukee means one thing… FESTIVALS! We live in Wisconsin so we realize that summer is short. Sunshine and warm temperatures are fleeting and a long cold, winter is only a few short months away. So, what do we do? We party! We take to the streets to celebrate. Lucky us, we have these big, gorgeous festival grounds along the lakefront and in a cute little neighborhood where the magic happens. From the 10-day world’s largest music festival to a celebration of the end of the season and a bunch of ethnic cultural celebrations in between, here’s your guide to some of the most fun festivals in town.

When it comes to festivals, it’s good to be over 60 because most events offer discounted admission for seniors. Get ready to pull out that AARP card or your ID to take advantage of senior discounts. Check out each festival’s website below for more information about senior discounts.

Summerfest is the biggest Milwaukee festival, and one that Eastcastle Place’s own resident, Larry Hammond, was instrumental in launching. Admission can be pricey. Leave to our favorite newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s to offer a great guide to Discounted or free admission at Summerfest. Here you’ll find details on free and discounted admission days and there’s truly a discount for everyone: for seniors it’s $9.00 admission every day, for Harley Davidson owners, admission is free on July 3; bring a children’s book on July 7 for free admission and everybody…yep, you read that right, everyone gets in free on July 8. Take advantage of free and discounted Summerfest deals, but be prepared for great music, yummy food and big crowds.

From James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt last week to the Dave Matthews Band Sunday, to Journey and Blake Shelton this week, a variety of musical acts grace the Summerfest 2018 main stage. General admission does not get you into a headliners’ performance, but a ticket to a headliner includes admission to the festival. Check out the Summerfest website list of headliners, put on your sunscreen and get ready to enjoy the excitement!

July 20-22 say Bonjourno to Festa Italiana where the spirit of Italy permeates the city with Italian food and entertainment. Come for the delicious Italian food and stay for the Italian music and comedy shows. $10 advance admission gets you unlimited hours at this fun and lively festival.

It’s a short walk from Eastcastle to the Brady Street Festival, a one-day extravaganza on July 28 from 11:00-midnight. Get your workout going with Yoga and Zumba demos in the morning, followed by music and entertainment that runs all day. Food and drink booths line the Brady Street Festival and the people watching is always interesting!

German Fest rolls into town July 27-29. Don’t miss this opportunity to, as their slogan says, “Get your Deutsch On.” Try some schnitzel, strudel, wurst (sausage) or tons of other German food and wash it down with an authentic German beer or wine.

Festivals are more fun with a group so gather your friends and make your plans..